Indonesia will hold legislative and presidential elections in April and July 2014. With President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY) a lame duck limited to two five-year terms, the gate to the Istana is wide open. But getting in will not be cheap. One economist estimated it could cost $600 million per candidate. While a daunting barrier to most Indonesians, such a hurdle is scalable by several rich list members, some who have revealed political ambitions.

In August the People's Conscience Party (Hanura) officially declared retired General Wiranto and media mogul Hary Tanoesoedibjo (No. 22) as presidential and vice presidential candidates, respectively. "I am not seeking to become a president or a vice president, but I was asked to be nominated as a vice presidential candidate," said Hary after the declaration. Prior to joining Hanura, he was expected to run under the banner of the National Democratic Party (Nasdem), a new party that he helped establish. Founder of the Gerinda party, Prabowo Subianto, the brother of Hashim Djojohadikusumo (No. 42), has said he will run for president, with his brother's support. So, too, will Aburizal Bakrie, the high-profile, politically connected tycoon who fell out of the wealth ranks last year due to heavy debts. Mentioned as Bakrie's possible running mate is Tahir (No. 12), the founder of the Mayapada Group, whose Javanese background might help the ticket win votes on the most populous island.

Then there is Chairul Tanjung (No. 5), who has said that he wants to focus on his business and even declined attending the ruling Democratic Party's convention to vet candidates, despite having warm relations with President SBY. He is widely touted as a presidential candidate--perhaps wishful thinking, but he has attractive credentials: Aside from his business success, he has tackled economic issues as chairman of the prestigious National Economy Committee and often accompanies SBY on overseas trips, such as to the recent G20 Leaders' Summit in St. Petersburg.